CULTURE SHOCK! an introduction. Language That meal was a total rip off! Lend us a fiver, love Fancy one for the road? I was flippin hammered last Friday.

CULTURE SHOCK!

an introduction

LanguageThat meal was a total rip off!

Lend us a fiver, love

Fancy one for the road?

I was flippin’ hammered last Friday and fell arse over tit down the stairs!

It’s swings and roundaboutsCan I share your

rubber?

You’re taking the piss, mate!

Someone’s been telling porkies

I fancy bangers and mash tonight...

I’m just nipping to the loo

Eugh that’s manky!

It’s only ten quid!

I was knackered last night

She had a right cob on about something

It’s not my cup of tea

Give us a ring

It’s all gone pear-shaped

I’m skiving off early today

They gave him the sack

What’s for pudding?

Pull the other one, it’s got bells on!

Culture What?

“The effect that immersion in a strange culture has on the unprepared visitor... Culture shock is what happens when

a traveller suddenly finds himself in a place where yes may mean no, where a ‘fixed

price’ is negotiable”

(Oxford English Dictionary)

“An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of

one” George Mikes

The same? Different? Weather

Politics

Sense of humour

Religion

Dress & appearances

Food

National holidays

Conversation topics

Architecture

Drinking culture

Queuing

Media

Language

An English joke…

“A man walks into a bar. Ouch!”

(Really? That’s funny?)

Scenario 1

Where? My garden, 32B Bakedbean Road

When? 21st September, 4 til late

BYOB

You are invited to my Birthday Barbecue!!!

Scenario 2

Loadsamoney Bank

Dear Sir/Madam

Many thanks for your recent application for an internship with our organisation. We are pleased to be able to invite you to attend an interview on Friday 21st September at 9am. You will be asked to give a short presentation entitled “How to make loads of money.” Directions are enclosed. Please confirm that you are able to attend.

Kind regards

Sir Peregrine Muchcash

Scenario 3

Dear Student

We request the pleasure of your company at the Law Society Annual Dinner at the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly, London.

Date: Saturday 22nd SeptemberTime: 7 for 7.30 RSVP: [email protected]

Scenario 4

Dear Student

Please be advised that your examination will take place at the Royal Horticultural Halls on Wednesday at 10am.

The Exams Office

Embracing your new culture

• Make the most of College and Students’ Union events – keep an eye on the website and Facebook pages• Talk to people and make friends• Ask questions!• Try new things – new food, new activities!• Get to know your surroundings• Buy some essentials – an A-Z guide and an umbrella!• Explore the UK – leave London!!!• Check out the International Students House Travel Club – lots of subsidised trips in the UK and Europe!• Go on a HOST visit – you only pay travel costs!• Celebrate local festivals and national holidays• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – most people are very friendly

Make yourself at home• Buy a phone card, Skype or mobile phone with lots of free

minutes to international phone numbers and make sure you have easy email access so you can keep in touch with your family and friends back home

• Check out the Students’ Union to see if there’s a group for students from your country

• Check out the country pages at www.kcl.ac.uk/international• If you were involved with a specific activity or sport at home,

see if you can join a club or group over here!• Find somewhere that sells authentic food from your home

country• See if you can get international radio or TV channels,

through a satellite package or on the Web• Keep an eye out for festivals and activities – what’s going on

in Trafalgar Square?• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

HELP!• The Student Advice and International Student Support Team

– visit www.kcl.ac.uk/adviceCan help with immigration problems and provide advice on a range of practical issues

• The College Counselling Service – www.kcl.ac.uk/counselling

• The College Chaplaincy – www.kcl.ac.uk/chaplaincy Practiced listeners available for pastoral support, whatever

your beliefs. Also run regular activities including International Student lunches and trips.

• The Students’ Union – www.kclsu.org – social activities, social facilities and academic advice

• The Compass – www.kcl.ac.uk/thecompass - letters, information and support